MetaEfficient

In A Nutshell Here are my recommendations for the best rechargeable AA batteries: If you want the best energy capacity (2500 mAh) — get the Eneloop Pro If you want maximum recharge capacity (2100 times) — get the 4th Generation Panasonic Eneloops (800 mAh) If you want to save some money and don’t mind a little less performance from your …

Update: This article is out-of-date, please see my 2015 review. Sanyo’s Eneloop batteries have had an edge over other rechargeable AAs since they were released in 2005. Basically, Eneloops could retain their charge longer than other rechargeables, including other low self-discharge AAs. Eneloops can hold 85% of their charge for one year, and 75% after three years.

Our first entry into the MetaEfficient gallery is the Spun Chair by Heatherwick Studio. Is it an oversized toy? Is it a sculpture? Is it a piece of furniture? All three perhaps. I first spotted the Spun Chair while at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Everyone who took the chair for a spin seemed to be delighted. The chair gives …

For powering high-drain electronics such as digital cameras, the most efficient batteries to use are high-capacity Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells. Higher capacity batteries store more charge and they can power your devices longer. The highest capacity rechargeable AA batteries are: Ansmann’s 2850 mAh batteries and Powerex’s 2700 mAh batteries. Of these two batteries, Powerex’s 2700 mAh gets the most positive reviews from photographers. It received …

It could be said that the Great Divide Bike Trail is like the Mount Everest of cycling adventures. Not only is it the longest mountain bike trail in the world at 2,500 miles, but it has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. Stretching from Canada to Mexico, the Great Divide bike trail travels through some of the most mountainous regions …

The best rechargeable C-size batteries are Acculoop C cells, by Accupower. These batteries are the new low self-discharge NiMH (Nickel Metal-Hydride) cells, and they have a high capacity of 4500 mAhs (milliamp hours).

Do rechargeable lithium-ion batteries exist in standard sizes like AA, AAA, C or D? Yes, they are finally available. A company called Kentli has released AA and AAA rechargeable lithium polymer batteries that output 1.5 volts. Kentli batteries are available on Amazon here. Lithium-ion batteries normally operate 3.7V per cell — but Kentli put circuitry inside the cells to reduce the voltage …

Best Overall: TaoTronics Elune Desk Lamp The TaoTronics Elune is priced at $50 and it is probably the best value LED desk lamp available. This lamp has 30 LEDs that shine with 450 lumens at full power. The lamp has a slide touch switch on the top that allows you to adjust the brightness to any one of 7 brightness levels. …

The safety and efficiency of roundabouts has been hotly contested in countries that have been wary to embrace them, such as the United States. People have argued that roundabouts are more confusing than signal lights, and consequently lead to more frequent accidents. While it is true that roundabouts can be confusing for first-time users, officials argue that once people have …

Most lists of the top bike-friendly towns include major metropolitan areas, but small towns, those with a population under 100,000, actually pull in higher percentages of bike commuters. Small towns have the advantage of smaller road grids, easier commutes, and local government support. The most bike-friendly small towns are typically college towns where bicycling is considered by college students as …